Ink jet recording device and cartridge therefore

ABSTRACT

A recording liquid containing a dye, glycerine, an aliphatic monohydric alcohol and water. The dye is a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compound selected from compounds which are represented by the following general formulas [I] and [II]: ##STR1## where Q1 is a phenyl group or a naphthyl group which are substituted by a lower alkyl carbonylamino group and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl group substituted by a SO 3  M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted by a SO 3  M group or a phenyl group substituted by a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, or a phenyl group or a naphthyl group which are substituted by a SO 3  M group, R 1  and R 2  are each a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkyl carbonylamino group, R 3  is a hydrogen or a phenyl group substituted by a SO 3  M group, n is 0 or 1, and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/466,602 filedJan. 17, 1990.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel recording liquid which provideshigh density images having excellent waterfastness and high quality forrecording on sheets of paper normally used in offices or schools. Thepresent invention also relates to an ink jet recording method of thetype in which such a recording liquid is ejected for recording by heaction of thermal energy.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of compositions have been proposed as inks for use inrecording images on a material, such as a sheet of paper. Such inks maybe used in conjunction with writing implements, stamps, recorders or inkjet recording devices. Typical inks are composed of various types ofdyes and water or other organic solvents in which the dyes are dissolvedor dispersed.

Various types of ink jet recording methods are known. Typical examplesinclude: an ink jet recording method in which a portion of the chargeddroplets which are generated in sequence are used for recording; an inkjet recording method in which a signal is supplied to a recording headincorporating a piezoelectric element so that a droplet of a recordingliquid can be generated in response to the signal supplied forrecording; and an ink jet recording method in which thermal energy isapplied to a recording liquid contained in a chamber of a recording headin accordance with a recording signal so as to generate a droplet. Owingto their peculiarity, such ink jet recording methods require a recordingliquid which satisfies stricter conditions as compared with thoserecording liquids used in conjunction with the writing implements,stamps or recorders.

Those conditions include:

(1) A recording liquid which allows vivid images having a contrast to berecorded at a high density.

(2) A recording liquid which allows high-quality images to be recordedon any type of recording medium without irregular blurring.

(3) A recording liquid which can be fixed to a recording medium quickly(e.g., can be dried quickly on a recording medium) and firmly, andcannot therefore be scrubbed off.

(4) A recording liquid which ensures that the printed images exhibitexcellent waterfastness and lightfastness.

(5) A recording liquid which can be ejected from a fine orifice stablyin the form of droplets without clogging the orifice.

(6) Even when kept uncapped while the recording is being suspended, arecording liquid is provided which can be ejected stably immediatelyafter recording has been restarted. In other words, ink located near theorifice is not readily dried, thus preventing clogging.

(7) A recording liquid which can be stored stably for a long period oftime without deterioration in the ink performance.

(8) A recording liquid which does not corrode the member with which itis in contact.

(9) A recording liquid which is safe, non-toxic and not flammable.

In order to fulfill all the conditions described above, various ink jetcomponents have been proposed. However, none of them fulfills all theabove conditions.

Recording liquids which contain a certain type of disazo dye, a certaintype of trisazo dye or a combination of these dyes have been proposed inthe specifications of, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,724,001, 4,765,838and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No 285275/1986. These recording liquidsexhibit excellent thermal stability and excellent waterfastness, can bestored stably for a long time without degradation in the quality, andare capable of preventing clogging as compared to a recording liquidwhich contains a conventionally employed dye.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,756 discloses an improved black color ink whichcontains both C.I. Food Black 2 and dyes having other color tones.

Although the above-described recording liquids exhibit theaforementioned various characteristics, they do not provide imageshaving both excellent waterfastness and high density.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording liquidwhich enables vivid images to be recorded on various types of sheets ofpaper at high density and quality without generating irregular blurs,which exhibits excellent fixing characteristics and waterfastness. It isanother object to provide a recording liquid which does not causeclogging and which can be stored stably for a long period of timewithout deterioration in the quality. It is an additional object toprovide a recording liquid which is thermally stable and safe, as wellas an ink jet recording method which employs such a recording liquid.

In order to achieve the aforementioned objects, the present inventionprovides a recording liquid comprising a dye and a compatible liquidcarrier medium therefor, such as glycerine, an aliphatic monohydricalcohol and water. The dye is a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and atleast one compound selected from compounds which are represented by thefollowing general formulas [I] and [II]: ##STR2## where Q1 is a phenylgroup or a naphthyl group which are substituted by a group selected froma lower alkyl carbonylamino group and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthylgroup substituted by a SO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substitutedby a SO₃ M group or a phenyl group substituted by a lower alkoxy group,Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, or a phenyl group or a naphthylgroup which are substituted by a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a loweralkyl group, a lower alkoxy group and a lower alkyl carbonylamino group,R₃ is hydrogen or a phenyl group substituted by a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or1, and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.

The present invention also provides a recording liquid which contains adye, a urea compound selected from urea or thiourea and a liquid carriermedium, including, preferably, glycerine, an aliphatic monohydricalcohol and water. The dye is a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and atleast one compound selected from compounds which are represented by thefollowing general formulas [I] and II]: ##STR3## wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, R₁,R₂, R₃, n, and M are as above.

The present invention also provides a recording liquid comprising a dye,urea, and a liquid carrier medium such as glycerine, thiodiglycol,isopropyl alcohol, and water. The dye is a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2and at least one compound selected from compounds which are representedby the following general formulas [I] and [II]: ##STR4## wherein Q1, Q2,Q3, R₁, R₂, R₃, n, and M are as above.

The present invention further provides an ink jet recording method inwhich an recording ink is ejected for recording from a fine orificetoward a recording material in the form of a droplet utilizing a thermalenergy. The recording ink contains a dye and a compatible liquid carriermedium. The liquid carrier medium is preferably glycerine, an aliphaticmonohydric alcohol and water. The dye is a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2and at least one compound selected from compounds which are representedby the following general formulas [I] and [II]: ##STR5## wherein Q1, Q2,Q3, R₁, R₂, R₃, n, and M are as above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are respectively a longitudinal sectional view and across-sectional view of the head part of an ink jet recording device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a multiple head whichcomprises the head shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an ink jet recordingapparatus;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ink cartridge; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ink jet device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

C.I. Food Black 2 and the dyes represented by the general formulas [I]and [II] are water-soluble black dyes, which are thermally stable andtherefore assure a stable ejection of an ink in a recording methodaccording to the present invention which utilizes thermal energy.Preferably, these dyes are used in a refined or purified form. C.I. FoodBlack 2 has a low molecular weight and exhibits a low degree ofdispersion of the light that it absorbs. In consequence, it permitsvivid images to be recorded at a high density. However, C.I. Food Black2 exhibits a degraded waterfastness.

The dye represented by the general formula [II] is characterized by itshigh molecular weight and a high degree of dispersion of the light thatit absorbs. In consequence, images recorded using the ink containingthis dye lack vividness, and have a low density. However, the dyerepresented by the general formula [II] has a higher substantivity andtherefore exhibits excellent waterfastness. The dye represented by thegeneral formula [I] exhibits a performance which is between that of C.I.Food Black 2 and that of the dye represented by the general formula[II]. Thus, a combination of the above-described three types of dyeallows vivid images exhibiting waterfastness to be recorded at highdensity and contrast.

With a color tone of a resultant ink taken into consideration, the mostdesirable combination may be the use of all of the three types of dye.

C.I. Food Black 2 employed in the present invention includes that havingthe following structural formula [III]: ##STR6## where M is an alkalinemetal, such as Na, K or Li, or an ammonium cation.

The lower alkyl carbonylamino group incorporated in the structure of thedyes represented by the general formulas [I] and [II] may be an alkylcarbonylamino group whose total number of carbon atoms ranges from 1 to4. The lower alkoxy group may be an alkoxy group whose total number ofcarbon atoms ranges from 1 to 4, e.g., a methoxy group and an ethoxygroup. The lower alkyl group may be an alkyl group whose total number ofcarbon atoms ranges from 1 to 4, e.g., a methyl group and a ethyl group.

M represents an alkaline metal such as Na, K, or Li, or an ammoniumcation such as NH₄ ⁶¹ , NH(C₂ H₄ OH)₃ ⁶¹ or NH(CH₃)₃.sup.⊕.

Examples of the dye represented by the general formula [I] are asfollows: ##STR7##

Next, examples of the dye represented by the general formula [II] are asfollows: ##STR8##

The most desirable from of a dye employed in the present invention maybe a mixture which contains C.I. Food Black 2, a compound of formula [I]indicated by No. 1, and a compound of formula [II] indicated by No. 6.

It was found desirable to mix C.I. Food Black 2 and the dye representedby the general formulas [I] and/or [II] in a ratio (weight ratio) from8:2 to 2:8, more preferably, in a ratio ranging from 3:1 to 1:3. In thecase where both the dye represented by the general formula [I] and thedye represented by the general formula [II] are employed, they arepreferably mixed in a weight ratio ranging from 2:1 to 1:2.

The preferred amount of dye contained in the recording liquid is from0.1 wt % to 15 wt %, and more preferably, from 1 wt % to 5 wt %. Unlessotherwise indicated, all weights are based on the total weight of therecording liquid. The above-described dyes may be used together withother dyes.

Next, a dye-compatible liquid medium carrier employed in the presentinvention will be described in detail below.

Conventionally used liquid media carrier include solvents having a highboiling point, such as polyhydric alcohols. Such solvents having a highboiling point are capable of preventing clogging. However, they have alow surface tension, and this allows droplets of the resultant recordingliquid to be spread irregularly over a sheet of paper, thereby degradingthe quality of an image. Hence, when the solvents having a high boilingpoint such as polyhydric alcohols are used, it is difficult tosimultaneously prevent clogging and to provide an image having a highquality. Glycerine, which is employed in the present invention, has ahigh surface tension, although it has a high boiling point. This resultsin an image having a high quality. Furthermore, glycerine is highlyhygroscopic, so a small amount of glycerine is enough to preventclogging. Glycerine may be contained in the recording liquid in anamount ranging from 1 wt % to 30 wt %, and preferably, ranging from 3 wt% to 15 wt %.

In addition to glycerine, other solvents, e.g., thiodiglycol, may beadded to the recording liquid according to the present invention. Suchsolvents may be added in an amount which does not adversely affect theprevention of clogging and production of an image having a high density.

Thiodiglycol is effective in improving the coloring density of a dye,and allows the resultant ink to be ejected from an orifice smoothlyafter recording has been suspended for a time.

In the present invention, a urea compound, such as urea or thiourea, maybe used together with glycerine for further improving prevention ofclogging and for further increasing the concentration of the dyes in therecording liquid.

It is known that the addition of urea or thiourea in an ink is effectiveto prevent clogging. The present inventors discovered that, when urea orthiourea are together with glycerine, no clogging of the ink occurredeven when the ink contained a larger amount of dye. Further, heviscosity of the resultant recording liquid remained low and the inkmaintained fluidity when the water in the recording liquid wasevaporated and the recording liquid contained only glycerine, the dyes,and the above-described compounds. Hence, the use of urea or thioureapermits the amount of polyhydric alcohol to be decreased relative to theamount of dyes added, thus allowing the quality and the fixingcharacteristics of recorded image to be further improved.

Glycerine employed in the present invention has a high boiling point,and is highly viscous. Glycerine does not effectively dissolve the dyeemployed in the present invention, thereby limiting the amount of dye tobe employed. It is therefore necessary for the amount of glycerine to beincreased in order to achieve sufficient image density and cloggingprevention effects. However, the use of a large amount of glycerineincreases the viscosity of the ink and degrades the ejection stability,which leads to problems in ejection of the ink.

Further, the use of a very large amount of glycerine degrades thequality of an image recorded. For the aforementioned reasons, theaddition of urea or thiourea is important for maintaining the quality ofan image, for preventing clogging, for providing high image density andfor ejection stability. The use of urea or thiourea is particularlyeffective when urea or thiourea is added to a recording liquid accordingto the present invention which contains the dye and the liquid carriermedium, such as glycerine, water and a monohydric alcohol.

In the present invention, urea or thiourea may be contained in arecording liquid in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt % to 20 wt %, andpreferably, in an amount ranging from 1 wt % to 10 wt %.

The aliphatic monohydric alcohol is added to a recording liquid whichcontains, for example, the dye, glycerine and water for the purpose ofimproving the fixing characteristics (the drying ability of an image).Conventionally, it has been proposed to use a penetrant such as asurface-active agent. However, even though the use of a penetrantimproves the fixing characteristics, it allows the resultant ink to bespread over a sheet of paper, thus generating irregular blurs andthereby degrading the quality of an image. An aliphatic monohydricalcohol, which is employed in the present invention, allows theresultant ink to be spread uniformly, and accelerates the ability of theresultant ink to pass droplets through the sheet of paper and to beevaporated. Consequently, the use of an aliphatic monohydric alcoholimproves the fixing characteristics of the ink without the quality of animage being degraded.

Suitable aliphatic monohydric alcohols include ethyl alcohol, isopropylalcohol, and n-butyl alcohol.

Isopropyl alcohol may be the most desirable one because it has nooffensive odor, and is capable of improving the fixing characteristicswithout degrading the quality of an image to be recorded.

An aliphatic monohydric alcohol may be contained in a recording ink inan amount ranging from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %, and preferably, in an amountranging from 1 wt % to 5 wt %.

Water may be contained in a recording liquid in an amount ranging from60 wt % to 90 wt %, and preferably, in an amount ranging from 70 wt % to90 wt %.

In addition to the ingredients described above, a viscosity adjustingagent, a surface tension adjusting agent, a pH adjusting agent, amildewproofing agent, and an anti-corrosive may also be added to therecording liquid according to the present invention.

When ink jet recording is performed on various types of sheets of paperusing the recording ink according to the present invention, suchproblems as reduction in the quality of an image, reduction in thedensity of an image and deterioration of the fixing characteristics,which may be caused owing to the type of the paper employed, can beeliminated and excellent recording is therefore possible.

The recording liquid of the present invention is preferably used in theink jet recording method in which ink droplets are discharged byemploying thermal energy. However, the recording solution can also beused for general writing utensils.

An example of the recording apparatus which is preferable for recordingby using the ink of the present invention is an apparatus in which inkdroplets are produced by applying heat energy to the ink in the chamberof a recording head in correspondence with a recording signal.

FIGS. 1(a), 1(b) and 2 show examples of the structure of a head, whichis a principal part of an ink jet recording apparatus.

In the drawings, a head 13 is formed by bonding a glass, ceramic orplastic plate, which has a groove 14 for allowing ink to passtherethrough, and a heating head 15 used for heat-sensitive recording.Although a thin film head is shown in the drawings, the head is notlimited to such an embodiment. The heating head 15 comprises aprotective film 16 made of silicon oxide or the like, aluminumelectrodes 17-1, 17-2, a heating resistor layer 18 made of nichrome orthe like, a heat-accumulating layer 19 and a substrate 20 made ofaluminum or the like and having good heat radiation properties.

Ink 21 reaches a discharging orifice (micropore) 22 and forms a meniscus23 at pressure P.

When an electrical signal is applied to the electrodes 17-1, 17-2, aregion off the heating head 15, which is denoted by n, rapidly generatesheat so as to generate air bubbles in the ink 21 which contacts with theregion. The meniscus 23 is projected by the pressure generated, and theink 21 is discharged as a jet of ink droplets 24 from the orifice 22.The droplets 24 are propelled toward a recording material 25. FIG. 2shows a multiple head comprising a plurality of the heads shown in FIG.1(a) which are arranged in parallel. The multi-head is formed by bondinga glass plate 27 having a plurality of grooves 26 and a heating head 28,which is the same as that shown in FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 1(a) is a sectional view taken along the ink flow channel of theink, and FIG. 1(b) is a sectional view taken along the line A-B in FIG.1(a).

FIG. 3 shows an example of an ink jet recording apparatus in which thehead shown in FIG. 1 is incorporated.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 61 denotes a blade serving as a wipingmember in the form of a cantilever in which one end is a fixed end heldby a blade holding member. The blade 61 is disposed at a positionadjacent to a region of recording by a recording head. In this example,the blade 61 is held in a position in which it projects in the path ofthe movement of the recording head. Reference number 62 denotes a capwhich is disposed at a home position adjacent to the blade 61 and whichis moved in the direction vertical to the moving direction of therecording head so as to contact with the orifice surface for the purposeof capping. Reference number 63 denotes an ink absorber which isdisposed at a position adjacent to the blade 61 and which is held in aposition in which it projects in the path of the movement of therecording head in the same way as the blade 61. The blade 61, the cap 62and the absorber 63 form a discharging recovery part 64. Moisture anddust on the ink orifice surface are removed by the blade 61 and theabsorber 63.

Reference numeral 65 denotes the ink jet device which has a means forgenerating discharging energy so as to record an image by dischargingthe ink to the recording material opposite to the orifice surface havingorifices. Reference number 66 denotes a carriage for moving the ink jetdevice 65 which is loaded thereon. The carriage 66 is slidably engagedwith a guide shaft 67 and is partially connected (not shown) to a belt69 which is driven by a motor 68. This permits the carriage 66 to movealong the guide shaft 67 and move in the region of recording by the inkjet device 65 and the region adjacent thereto.

Reference numeral 51 denotes a sheet feeding part, and reference numeral52 denotes a sheet feeding roller which is driven by a motor (notshown). This arrangement allows the recording paper to be fed to aposition opposite to the orifice surface of the recording head and to bedelivered to a take-off part having a take-off roller 53 during theprogress of recording.

In the aforementioned arrangement, when the ink jet device 65 isreturned to the home position at the end of recording, the cap 62 isretracted from the path of the movement of the ink jet device 65, whilethe blade 61 is projected in the path of the movement. As a result, theorifice surface of the ink jet device 65 is wiped by the blade 61. Whenthe cap 62 contacts with the orifice surface of the recording head 65 soas to cap it, the cap 62 is moved so as to project in the path of themovement of the ink jet device 65.

When the ink jet device 65 is moved from the home position to therecording start position, the cap 62 and the blade 61 are at the samepositions as the above-described positions in wiping. As a result, theorifice surface of the ink jet device 65 is wiped even during themovement of the ink jet device 65.

The recording head 65 is moved to the home position adjacent to therecording region not only at the end of recording and during therecovery of discharging (the operation of sucking an ink from an orificein order to recover the normal discharge of an ink from an orifice), butalso at predetermined intervals when it is moved in the recording regionfor the purpose of recording. This movement causes the above-describedwiping.

FIG. 4 is a drawing which shows an example of an ink cartridge 45 forcontaining the ink to be supplied to the head through an ink supplytube. In the drawing, reference numeral 40 denotes an ink bag forcontaining the ink to be supplied which has a rubber stopper 42 at itsone end. When a needle (not shown) is inserted into the stopper 42, theink contained in the ink bag 40 can be supplied to the ink jet device65. Reference numeral 44 denotes an ink absorber for absorbing wasteink. In the present invention, there may preferably be used ink bags inwhich the surface coming into contact with the ink is formed frompolyolefins, in particular polyethylene.

The ink jet recording apparatus used in the present invention is notlimited to an apparatus in which a device and an ink cartridge areseparately disposed, as described above. The ink jet device shown inFIG. 5 in which a device and an ink cartridge are integrated can bepreferably used in the present invention.

In FIG. 5, reference number 70 denotes an ink jet device which containsan ink storing member impregnated with ink. The ink in the ink storingmember is discharged as ink droplets from a head part 71 have aplurality of orifices. Further, as the ink storing member, there may beused an ink absorber in an ink bag. The head is the same as thosereferred to in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a communicating hole for allowing theinside of the device 70 to communicate with the atmosphere. As amaterial for the ink absorber in the present invention, there maypreferably be used polyurethane.

The ink jet device 70 is used in place of the ink jet device 65 shown inFIG. 3 and is detachably provided on the carriage 66.

Examples and comparison examples with the present invention will bedescribed below. Hereinafter, all parts by weight are referred to merelyas parts.

EXAMPLE 1

    ______________________________________                                        C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                        1.70 parts                                                The dye of example No. 1                                                                          0.48 parts                                                The dye of example No. 6                                                                          0.32 parts                                                Glycerine           10.00 parts                                               Ethyl alcohol       2.00 parts                                                Ion-exchanged water 85.50 parts                                               ______________________________________                                    

After being stirred thoroughly, the above-described composition wasfiltered under pressure using a Fluoropore Filter having a pore size of0.22 μm (Fluoropore is a trademark for a filter manufactured by SumitomoDenki Kogyo Kabushiki Gaisha) so as to obtain a recording liquidaccording to the present invention.

Printing was performed using this recording liquid and a recordingapparatus incorporating an on-demand type multi-head (orifice size:50×40 μm; driving voltage: 30 V; and frequency: 4 KHz) in which thermalenergy was applied to an ink contained in the recording head so as togenerate a droplet. Evaluations on the printing performance, theejection performance and the storage stability of the resulting printingare shown in Table 3, which will be described later. The following itemswere evaluated by the following methods under the following conditions.

(1) Printing Density

Printing was conducted on continuous payment slips which were availableon the market using all the nozzles so as to prepare a patch. After thispatch was air dried inside the room for 24 hours, the optical densitythereof was measured. The following standards were used to evaluate theresults of measurements:

⊚: an optical density of 1.31 or more

◯: an optical density between 1.26 and 1.30

Δ: an optical density between 1.10 and 1.25

X: an optical density of 1.09 or less

(2) Rate of Occurrence of Blur

300 dots were printed in sequence on the continuous payment slips atintervals which ensured that the adjacent dots were not in contact witheach other. After this printed matter was air-dried inside a room for 24hours, the number of irregularly blurred dots was counted using amicroscope. The obtained percentage was evaluated using the followingstandards.

◯: 15% or less

Δ: between 16% and 40%

X: 41% or more

(3) Fixing Characteristics (Drying Ability)

Alphanumeric characters were printed on the continuous payment slips.The printed alphanumeric characters were rubbed 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and60 seconds after the printing, respectively, using a sheet of lenscleaning paper, and the time in seconds that it took for the smear to becompletely removed was measured. The following standards were used toevaluate the results of measurements.

⊚: within 10 seconds

◯: between 11 seconds and 20 seconds

Δ: between 21 seconds and 40 seconds

X: 41 seconds or longer

(4) Waterfastness

The patch used in evaluation of Item (1) was greatly immersed in citywater contained in a schale for 5 minutes. Thereafter, the patch wastaken out of the water and dried. The optical density of the patch wasmeasured in the same manner as that of Item (1), and an optical densityresidual rate (the optical density of the patch which was immersed/theoptical density of the patch which was not yet immersed ×100:percentage) was calculated. The results were evaluated using thefollowing standards.

◯: an optical density residual rate of 80% or more

Δ: an optical density residual rate between 60% and 79%

X: an optical density residual rate of 59% or 5 less

(5) Ejection Stability

Printing was conducted on 100 continuous payment slips. The dischargecondition was evaluated using the following standards.

◯: no anomaly

X: non-ejection or printing disorder

(6) Anti-Clogging characteristics (Fixing Restoring Characteristics)

The recording liquid was stored in a constant-temperature tank at 60° C.for one month. Thereafter, it was left at a room temperature for 24hours. After a restoration operation (suction by pumping) was conductedon the recording liquid, printing was performed using that recordingliquid. The printing state was evaluated using the following standards.

◯: normal printing state was restored after the restoration operationwas conducted 5 times or less

Δ: normal printing state was restored after the restoration operationwas performed between 6 times and 10 times

X: discharge problems or printing disorder occurred after therestoration operation was performed between 6 times and 10 times

(7) Storage Stability

100 cc of recording liquid was poured into a bottle made of aheat-resistant glass. This bottle was sealed and the sealed bottle wasstored in a constant-temperature tank which was kept at 60° C. for 3months. Thereafter, printing was conducted on 100 continuous paymentslips using this recording liquid and the above-described recordingapparatus. The evaluation standards are as follows.

◯: no anomaly

X: ejection problems, printing disorder or discoloration

EXAMPLES 2 TO 6

Recording liquids having the compositions shown in Table 1 weremanufactured in the same manner as that of Example 1. The values inparenthesis () are in parts by weight.

Printing performance, discharge performance and storage stability ofthese recording liquids were evaluated in the same manner as that ofExample 1. Table 3 shows the results of the evaluations.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Example Dye              Liquid Medium                                        ______________________________________                                        2       C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (10.0)                                             (M = Li) (1.8)   Ethyl alcohol (2.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       Ion-exchange water                                           (0.5)            (85.4)                                                       The dye of Example No. 6                                                      (0.2)                                                                 3       C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (10.0)                                             (M = Na) (1.8)   Ethyl alcohol (3.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                          (1.0)            (84.0)                                                       The dye of Example No. 6                                                      (0.2)                                                                 4       C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (10.0)                                             (M = Li) (1.7)   Ethyl alcohol (2.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                          (0.5)            (85.5)                                                       The dye of Example No. 6                                                      (0.3)                                                                 5       C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (12.0)                                             (M = Li) (1.2)   Isopropyl alcohol (3.0)                                      The dye of Example No. 8                                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                          (1.3)            (82.0)                                               6       C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (13.0)                                             (M = Na) (1.5)   n-butyl alcohol (3.0)                                        The dye of Example No. 3                                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                          (1.0)            (81.5)                                               ______________________________________                                    

Comparison Examples 1 to 6

The recording liquids having the compositions shown in Table 2 wereprepared in the same manner as that of Example 1.

Printing performance, discharge performance and storage stability ofthese recording liquids were evaluated in the same manner as that ofExample 1. Table 3 shows the results of the evaluations.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Comparison                                                                    Example  Dye              Liquid Medium                                       ______________________________________                                        1        C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (10.0)                                             (2.5)            Ethyl alcohol (2.0)                                                           Ion-exchanged water                                                           (85.5)                                              2        The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       Glycerine (10.0)                                             (2.5)            Ethyl alcohol (2.0)                                                           Ion-exchanged water                                                           (85.5)                                              3        The dye of Example No. 6                                                                       Glycerine (10.0)                                             (2.5)            Ethyl alcohol (2.0)                                                           Ion-exchanged water                                                           (85.5)                                              4        C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (12.0)                                             (M = Na) (2.5)   Ethyl alcohol (4.0)                                          C.I. Acid Blue 9 Ion-exchanged water                                          (0.3)            (81.1)                                                       C.I. Acid Yellow 23                                                           (0.2)                                                                5        C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Triethylenglycol                                             (M = Na) (1.5)   (17.0)                                                       The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       Ethyl alcohol (3.0)                                          (0.5)            Ion-exchanged water                                          The dye of Example No. 6                                                                       (77.6)                                                       (0.4)                                                                6        C.I. Food Black 2                                                                              Glycerine (13.0)                                             (M = Na) (1.7)   Noigen P (surface-                                           The dye of Example No. 1                                                                       active agent) (0.4)                                          (0.5)            Ion-exchanged water                                          The dye of Example No. 6                                                                       (84.1)                                                       (0.3)                                                                ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                                 Evaluation Item                                                               (1)   (2)   (3)     (4) (5)   (6) (7)                                ______________________________________                                        Example                                                                       1          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    2          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    3          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    4          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    5          Δ ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    6          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       Δ                                                                           ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    Comparison                                                                    Example                                                                       1          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       x   ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    2          Δ ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       Δ                                                                           ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    3          x       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    4          ◯                                                                         ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                       x   ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    5          ◯                                                                         x     Δ                                                                             ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    6          Δ x     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                                                                       ◯                                                                     ◯                    ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 7

    ______________________________________                                        C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                        1.50 parts                                                The dye of Example No. 1                                                                          0.90 parts                                                The dye of Example No. 6                                                                          0.60 parts                                                Glycerine           5.00 parts                                                IPA (Isopropyl alcohol)                                                                           4.00 parts                                                Ion-exchanged water 83.00 parts                                               Urea                5.00 parts                                                ______________________________________                                    

The recording liquid having the above-described composition was preparedin the same manner as that of Example 1.

Printing performance, ejection performance and storage stability of therecording liquid was evaluated in the same manner as that of Example 1.Table 6 shows the results of the evaluations.

    ______________________________________                                        SK:      Canon NP Dry SK                                                      DK:      Canon NP Dry DK    Copying paper                                     XX:      Xerox 4024 DP                                                        Cont:    Continuous payment slips                                             ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLES 8 TO 14

The recording liquids having the compositions shown in Table 4 wereprepared in the same manner as that of Example 1.

Printing performance, ejection performance and storage stability of therecording liquids were evaluated in the same manner as that of Example7. Table 6 shows the results of the evaluations.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        Example                                                                              Dye               Liquid Medium                                        ______________________________________                                         8     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Li)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (2.0)             Thiodiglycol (5.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                     (1.2)             Urea (5.0)                                                  The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        Ion-exchanged water                                         (0.8)             (77.7)                                                9     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (1.8)             Thiourea (5.0)                                              The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (3.0)                                     (0.9)             Ion-exchanged water                                         The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        (83.0)                                                      (0.6)                                                                  10     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Li)                                                                      Glycerine (7.0)                                             (1.7)             Thiourea (6.0)                                              The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                     (1.2)             Thiodiglycol (4.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        Ion-exchanged water                                         (0.6)             (75.5)                                               11     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Li)                                                                      Glycerine (6.0)                                             (1.0)             Thiourea (5.0)                                              The dye of Example No. 8                                                                        Ethyl alcohol (5.0)                                         (2.0)             Ion-exchanged water                                                           (81.0)                                               12     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (1.5)             Urea (5.0)                                                  The dye of Example No. 3                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                     (1.5)             Pure water (83.0)                                    13     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Li)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (1.5)             Urea (5.0)                                                  The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                     (0.9)             Ion-exchanged water                                         The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        (83.0)                                                      (0.6)                                                                  14     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Li)                                                                      Glycerine (4.0)                                             (1.5)             Thiourea (5.0)                                              The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        n-butyl alcohol (3.0)                                       (0.9)             Ion-exchanged water                                         The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        (85.0)                                                      (0.6)                                                                  ______________________________________                                    

COMPARISON EXAMPLE 7 TO 12

The recording liquids having the compositions shown in Table 5 wereprepared in the same manner as that of Example 7.

Printing performance, ejection performance and storage stability of therecording liquids were evaluated in the same manner as that of Example7. Table 6 shows the results of the evaluations.

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                        Example                                                                              Dye               Liquid Medium                                        ______________________________________                                         7     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (3.0)             Ion-exchanged water                                                           (83.0)                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                                       Urea (5.0)                                            8     The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Glycerine (5.0)                                             (3.0)             Urea (5.0)                                                                    Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                                           (83.0)                                                9     The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        Glycerine (5.0)                                             (3.0)             Urea (5.0)                                                                    Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                                       Ion-exchanged water                                                           (83.0)                                               10     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Glycerine (6.0)                                             (3.0)             Urea (5.0)                                                  C.I. Acid Blue 9  Ethyl alcohol (4.0)                                         (0.3)             Ion-exchanged water                                         C.I. Acid Yellow 23                                                                             (77.5)                                                      (0.2)             Thiodiglycol (4.0)                                   11     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Thiodiglycol (5.0)                                          (2.0)             Urea (5.0)                                                  The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Isopropyl alcohol (4.0)                                     (1.2)             Ion-exchanged water                                         The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        (77.7)                                                      (0.8)                                                                  12     C.I. Food Black 2 (M = Na)                                                                      Glycerine (5.0)                                             (2.0)             Thiodiglycol (5.0)                                          The dye of Example No. 1                                                                        Noigen P (surface-                                          (1.2)             active agent) (0.4)                                         The dye of Example No. 6                                                                        Ion-exchanged water                                         (0.8)             (86.3)                                               ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 6                                     __________________________________________________________________________           Evaluation Item                                                               Paper                                                                         (1)         (2)         (3)         (4)                                                                              (5)                                                                              (6)                                                                              (7)                              SK DK XX Cont                                                                             SK DK XX Cont                                                                             SK DK XX Cont                                                                             Cont                                                                             Cont                                                                             Cont                                                                             Cont                      __________________________________________________________________________    Example 7                                                                            ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 8                                                                            ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 9                                                                            ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 10                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 11                                                                           ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 12                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 13                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 14                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Comparison                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 x  ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 7                                                                     Comparison                                                                           ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    x  Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 8                                                                     Comparison                                                                           x  x  x  x  ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 9                                                                     Comparison                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    Δ                                                                          ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 x  ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯             Example 10                                                                    Comparison                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    x  x                         Example 11                                                                    Comparison                                                                           ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 x  x  x  x  ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ⊚                                                                 ◯                                                                    ◯                                                                    x  x                         Example 12                                                                    __________________________________________________________________________

Further, with respect to each ink in Examples 1 to 14, the ink absorberof the ink-jet device as shown in FIG. 5 was impregnated with the ink.Then the ink jet apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 was allowed to carry theink jet device. Recording was performed using of the ink jet apparatus.Good recording showing excellent discharge properties was realized.

As will be understood from the foregoing description, the recordingliquid according to the present invention has the following advantages:

(1) It allows vivid, high-quality and high-density images to be printedon various types of sheets of paper.

(2) It exhibits excellent fixing characteristics (dries quickly), andeliminates smear of printed matters caused by rubbing.

(3) The characteristics thereof do not change during a long period ofstorage, thus enabling stable discharge.

(4) It allows printed images to exhibit excellent waterfastness andlightfastness.

(5) It prevents a recording head from drying quickly, thereby ensuring astable ejection when a recording is restarted after it has beensuspended over a long period of time.

(6) It ensures a stable ejection and causes no problems when employed ina recording method which utilizes thermal energy.

Thus, the recording liquid according to the present invention issuitable for use in an ink jet recording method.

The present invention is not to be limited except as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ink jet device comprisingan ink storing memberimpregnated with a recording liquid comprising: a dye, glycerine, saidglycerine being present in said recording liquid in an amount betweenabout 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based on the total weight of said recordingliquid, an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, said aliphatic monohydricalcohol being present in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.1wt. % and 10 wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquidand water, said dye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at leastone compound selected from compounds which are represented by thefollowing general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR9## wherein Q1 is a phenylgroup substituted with a lower alkycarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxygroup, a naphthyl group substituted with a lower alkylcarbonylaminogroup and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl group substituted with aSO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or aphenyl group substituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenylgroup, a naphthyl group, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M groupor a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M, R₁ and R₂ are each a loweralkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group,R₃ is a hydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is0 or 1, and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation; wherein saidFood Black 2 and said at least one compound represented by said generalformula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8; and ahead having a plurality of orifices for discharging said ink as inkdroplets.
 2. An ink jet device according to claim 1, wherein said inkstoring member is an ink absorber or an ink bag.
 3. An ink jet deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said head has a heating head to provideheat energy to said ink for discharging ink droplets.
 4. An ink jetdevice according to claim 1, wherein said compound represented by thegeneral formulas (I) has the following formula: ##STR10##
 5. An ink jetdevice according to claim 1, wherein said compound represented by thegeneral formula (II) has the following formula: ##STR11## wherein M isan alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.
 6. An ink jet devicecomprisingan ink storing member impregnated with a recording liquidcomprising: a dye, glycerine, said glycerine being present in saidrecording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % basedon the total weight of said recording liquid, a urea compound selectedfrom the group consisting of urea or thiourea, said urea compound beingpresent in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.5 wt. % and 20wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid, an aliphaticmonohyric alcohol, said aliphatic monohydric alcohol being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10 wt. % basedon the total weight of said recording liquid and water, said dye being amixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compound selected fromcompounds which are represented by the following general formulas (I)and (II): ##STR12## wherein Q1 is a phenyl group substituted with alower alkycarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxy group, a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkylcarbonylamino group and a lower alkoxygroup or a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is anaphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthylgroup, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a lower alkyl group,a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is ahydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1,and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation; wherein said FoodBlack 2 and said at least one compound represented by said generalformula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8; and ahead having a plurality of orifices for discharging said ink as inkdroplets.
 7. An ink jet device according to claim 6, wherein said inkstoring member is an ink absorber or an ink bag.
 8. An ink jet deviceaccording to claim 6, wherein said head has a heating head to provide tosaid ink a heat energy for discharging ink droplets.
 9. An ink jetdevice according to claim 6, wherein said compound represented by thegeneral formula (I) has the following formula: ##STR13## wherein M is analkaline metal or an ammonium cation.
 10. An ink jet device according toclaim 6, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (II)has the following formula: ##STR14## wherein M is an alkaline metal oran ammonium cation.
 11. An ink jet device comprising an ink storingmember impregnated with a recording liquid comprising: a dye, glycerine,said glycerine being present in said recording liquid in an amountbetween about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based on the total weight of saidrecording liquid, thiodiglycol, said thiodiglycol being present in saidrecording liquid in an amount between 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based on thetotal weight of the recording liquid, urea, said urea being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between 0.5 wt. % and 20 wt. % basedon the total weight of the recording liquid, isopropyl alcohol, saidisopropyl alcohol being present in said recording liquid in an amountbetween 0.1 wt. % and 10 wt. % based on the total weight of therecording liquid, and water, said dye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black2 and at least one compound selected from compounds which arerepresented by the following general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR15##wherein Q1 is a phenyl group substituted with a lower alkyl carbonylgroup or a lower alkoxy group, a naphthyl group substituted with a loweralkyl carbonyl group and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted witha SO₃ M group or a phenyl group substituted with a lower alkoxy group,Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a phenyl group substituted witha SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxygroup or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is a hydrogen or a phenylgroup substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1, and M is an alkalinemetal or an ammonium cation; wherein said Food Black 2 and said at leastone compound represented by said general formula [I] and [II] are mixedin a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8; anda head having a plurality oforifices for discharging said ink as ink droplets.
 12. An ink jet deviceaccording to claim 11, wherein said ink storing member is an inkabsorber or an ink bag.
 13. An ink jet device according to claim 11,wherein said head has a heating head to provide to said ink a heatenergy for discharging ink droplets.
 14. An ink jet device according toclaim 11, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (I)has the following formula: ##STR16## wherein M is an alkaline metal oran ammonium cation.
 15. An ink jet device according to claim 11, whereinsaid compound represented by the general formula (II) has the followingformula: ##STR17## wherein M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.16. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising an ink jet devicecomprising an ink storing member impregnated with a recording liquidcomprising:a dye, glycerine, said glycerine being present in saidrecording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % basedon the total weight of said recording liquid, an aliphatic monohydricalcohol, said aliphatic monohydric alcohol being present in saidrecording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10 wt. % based onthe total weight of said recording liquid and water, said dye being amixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compound selected fromcompounds which are represented by the following general formulas (I)and (II): ##STR18## wherein Q1 is a phenyl group substituted with alower alkylcarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxy group, a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkylcarbonylamino group and a lower alkoxygroup or a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is anaphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthylgroup, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a lower alkyl group,a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is ahydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1,and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation; wherein said FoodBlack 2 and said at least one compound represented by said generalformula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8; and ahead having a plurality of orifices for discharging said ink as inkdroplets.
 17. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 16,wherein said ink storing member is an ink absorber or an ink bag.
 18. Anink jet recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said head wasa heating head to provide to said ink a heat energy for discharging inkdroplets.
 19. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 16,wherein said compound represented by the general formula (I) has thefollowing formula: ##STR19## wherein M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation.
 20. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim16, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (II) hasthe following formula: ##STR20## wherein M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation.
 21. An ink jet recording apparatus comprisingan ink jetdevice comprising an ink storing member impregnated with a recordingliquid comprising: a dye, glycerine, said glycerine being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. %based on the total weight of said recording liquid, a urea compoundselected from the group consisting of urea or thiourea, said ureacompound being present in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.5wt. % and 20 wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid,an aliphatic monohydric alcohol, said aliphatic monohydric alcohol beingpresent in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid and water, saiddye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compoundselected from compounds which are represented by the following generalformulas (I) and (II): ##STR21## wherein Q1 is a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkycarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxygroup, a naphthyl group substituted with a lower alkylcarbonylaminogroup and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl group substituted with aSO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or aphenyl group substituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenylgroup, a naphthyl group, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M groupor a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each alower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylaminogroup, R₃ is a hydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ Mgroup, n is 0 or 1, and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation;wherein said Food Black 2 and said at least one compound represented bysaid general formula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2to 2:8; and a head having a plurality of orifices for discharging saidink as ink droplets.
 22. An ink jet recording apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein said ink storing member is an ink absorber or an inkbag.
 23. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 21, whereinsaid head was a heating head to provide to said ink a heat energy fordischarging ink droplets.
 24. An ink jet recording apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein said compound represented by the general formula(I) has the following formula: ##STR22## wherein M is an alkaline metalor an ammonium cation.
 25. An ink jet recording apparatus according toclaim 21, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (II)has the following formula: ##STR23## wherein M is an alkaline metal oran ammonium cation.
 26. An ink jet recording apparatus comprisingan inkjet device comprising an ink storing member impregnated with a recordingliquid comprising: a dye, glycerine, said glycerine being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. %based on the total weight of said recording liquid, thiodiglycol, saidthiodiglycol being present in said recording liquid in an amount between1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based on the total weight of the recording liquid,urea, said urea being present in said recording liquid in an amountbetween 0.5 wt. % and 20 wt. % based on the total weight of therecording liquid, isopropyl alcohol, said isopropyl alcohol beingpresent in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid, and water,said dye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compoundselected from compounds which are represented by the following generalformulas (I) and (II): ##STR24## wherein Q1 is a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkyl carbonyl group or a lower alkoxy group, anaphthyl group substituted with a lower alkyl carbonyl group and a loweralkoxy group or a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is anaphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthylgroup, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a lower alkyl group,a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is ahydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1,and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation; wherein said FoodBlack 2 and said at least one compound represented by said generalformula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8; and ahead having a plurality of orifices for discharging said ink as inkdroplets.
 27. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 26wherein said ink storing member is an ink absorber or an ink bag.
 28. Anink jet recording apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said head wasa heating head to provide to said ink a heat energy for discharging inkdroplets.
 29. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 26,wherein said compound represented by the general formula (I) has thefollowing formula: ##STR25## wherein M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation.
 30. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim26, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (II) hasthe following formula: ##STR26## wherein M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation.
 31. An ink cartridge comprisingan ink bag impregnatedwith a recording liquid comprising: a dye, glycerine, said glycerinebeing present in said recording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt.% and 30 wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid, analiphatic monohydric alcohol, said aliphatic monohydric alcohol beingpresent in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid, and water,said dye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compoundselected from compounds which are represented by the following generalformulas (I) and (II): ##STR27## wherein Q1 is a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkylcarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxygroup, a naphthyl group substituted with a lower alkylcarbonylaminogroup and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl group substituted with aSO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or aphenyl group substituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenylgroup, a naphthyl group, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M groupor a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each alower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylaminogroup, R₃ is a hydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ Mgroup, n is 0 or 1, and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation,wherein said Food Black 2 and said at least one compound represented bysaid general formula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2to 2:8.
 32. An ink cartridge according to claim 31, wherein saidcompound represented by the general formula (I) has the followingformula: ##STR28## wherein M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.33. An ink cartridge according to claim 31, wherein said compoundrepresented by the general formula (II) has the following formula:##STR29## wherein M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.
 34. Anink cartridge comprisingan ink bag impregnated with a recording liquidcomprising: a dye, glycerine, said glycerine being present in saidrecording liquid in an amount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % basedon the total weight of said recording liquid, a urea compound selectedfrom the group consisting of urea or thiourea, said urea compound beingpresent in said recording liquid in an amount between 0.5 wt. % and 20wt. % based on the total weight of said recording liquid, an aliphaticmonohydric alcohol, said aliphatic monohydric alcohol being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between 0.1 wt. % and 10 wt. % basedon the total weight of said recording liquid, and water, said dye beinga mixture of C.I. Food Black 2 and at least one compound selected fromcompounds which are represented by the following general formulas (I)and (II): ##STR30## wherein Q1 is a phenyl group substituted with alower alkylcarbonylamino group or a lower alkoxy group, a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkylcarbonylamino group and a lower alkoxygroup or a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is anaphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a phenyl groupsubstituted with a lower alkoxy group, Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthylgroup, a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ and R₂ are each a lower alkyl group,a lower alkoxy group or a lower alkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is ahydrogen or a phenyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1,and M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation, wherein said FoodBlack 2 and said at least one compound represented by said generalformula [I] and [II] are mixed in a weight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8.
 35. Anink cartridge according to claim 34, wherein said compound representedby the general formula (I) has the following formula: ##STR31## whereinM is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.
 36. An ink cartridgeaccording to claim 34, wherein said compound represented by the generalformula (II) has the following formula: ##STR32## wherein M is analkaline metal or an ammonium cation.
 37. An ink cartridge comprisinganink bag impregnated with a recording liquid comprising: a dye,glycerine, said glycerine being present in said recording liquid in anamount between about 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based on the total weight ofsaid recording liquid, thiodiglycol, said thiodiglycol being present insaid recording liquid in an amount between 1 wt. % and 30 wt. % based onthe total weight of the recording liquid, urea, said urea being presentin said recording liquid in an amount between 0.5 wt. % and 20 wt. %based on the total weight of the recording liquid, isopropyl alcohol,said isopropyl alcohol being present in said recording liquid in anamount between 0.1 wt. % and 10 wt. % based on the total weight of saidrecording liquid and water, said dye being a mixture of C.I. Food Black2 and at least one compound selected from compounds which arerepresented by the following general formulas (I) and (II): ##STR33##wherein Q1 is a phenyl group substituted with a lower alkyl carbonylgroup or a lower alkoxy group, a naphthyl group substituted with a loweralkyl carbonyl group and a lower alkoxy group or a naphthyl groupsubstituted with a SO₃ M group, Q2 is a naphthyl group substituted witha SO₃ M group or a phenyl group substituted with a lower alkoxy group,Q3 is a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a phenyl group substituted witha SO₃ M group or a naphthyl group substituted with a SO₃ M group, R₁ andR₂ are each a lower alkyl group, a lower alkoxy group or a loweralkylcarbonylamino group, R₃ is a hydrogen or a phenyl group substitutedwith a SO₃ M group, n is 0 or 1, and M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation, wherein said Food Black 2 and said at least onecompound represented by said general formula [I] and [II] are mixed in aweight ratio from 8:2 to 2:8.
 38. An ink cartridge according to claim37, wherein said compound represented by the general formula (I) has thefollowing formula: ##STR34## wherein M is an alkaline metal or anammonium cation.
 39. An ink cartridge according to claim 37, whereinsaid compound represented by the general formula (II) has the followingformula: ##STR35## wherein M is an alkaline metal or an ammonium cation.